Shalom Magazine

Jewish Tradition is All About Food
Rubin's Kosher Deli

 By Shirley Farber

David is eating latkes with apple sauce today, in the same Kosher restaurant where his great grandmother ate many years ago. In today’s economy, not many eateries can say they have been in business for over 90 years. But for many generations, Rubin’s Kosher Deli in Brookline has been serving delicious traditional kosher food like latkes, kugel, matzah ball soup, and deli favorites.
Erica and Allan Gellerman bought the business, as well as the devoted clientele, in 1996. Erica says, “I have seen tables with three and four generations. Sometimes there is a baby and a great grandmother in her 90’s.” The restaurant had a few owners, and different locations in Brookline over those 90 years, but the made-from-scratch recipes remain the same. The cuisine includes all the old classics: matzah ball soup, corned beef, brisket, knishes, Kishka, kashka, Borscht, lox and bagels, chopped liver. But Rubin’s also offers steaks, burgers, seafood, Sephardic dishes, and seasonal gourmet creations like Tarragon Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken Wrap.
I always believed that if you go to a Kosher restaurant and only see Orthodox customers, it may be that they do not have a choice, and the restaurant might not the best one. But at Rubin’s, one sees even non-Jews happily dining. In fact, Rubin’s has been voted Best Deli of Boston by both the Improper Bostonian and Boston Magazine on several occasions, including this year, 2011. Unlike many restaurants I frequent where it seems that the server has no idea what she/he is serving, Rubin’s has very knowledgeable employees. Joyce and Joel have been working at the restaurant for 30 and 26 years, respectively. So if you do not know the difference between a corned beef and a brisket, or the ingredients of a Kishka, they will be glad to explain. For Chanukah, Rubin’s will be offering a variety of gourmet latke versions, such as sweet potato, mushroom, Israeli, and more. “People even come here with their families and open their Chanukah gifts at the table,” said Erica. As per their innovative attitude, last year Rubin’s launched a line of home-cooked packaged items, that include knishes and kugels sold at supermarkets including Star Market and Shaw’s.
Rubin’s is under the supervision of a full time mashghiach and the Vaad Harabonin of Boston. It is located at 500 Harvard St. in Brookline. Tel: (617) 731-8787.
Check their website for weekly specials at www.rubinsboston.com. Hours are Sun. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed on Saturdays.